Drive shaft coupling
US7150680B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 10, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 19, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 21, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/557
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed is a torque-transmitting coupling assembly and method, as well as flexible surgical reamers having such assemblies. The reamers employ a fitting with radially flexible member, e.g., a split collet or a super-elastic collar that receives an elongated tubular shaft of super-elastic alloy. A compression sleeve is applied to the collet, in one embodiment, while the collar is located within a counter-bore of the fitting in another embodiment. Relative motion between the shaft, fitting and collet (or collar) induces a super-elastic activation in the shaft to form the desired coupling.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.